John Moxham, chief designer for Ultimate Boats and pioneer of advanced hydrodynamics, has died.
Encouraged by his father, John’s career began in the precision field of aircraft design.
At Folland Aircraft, John worked on the leading edges of the DeHavilland Venom jet aircraft, ensuring that the craft would withstand the tests of war.
The Cold War saw John dedicating himself to the intricate world of aero-dynamics, working on the Gloster Javelin, the English Electric Lightning, and more.
Later, as the world continued to change, John found himself at a crossroads, taking the decision to transition from aircraft to powerboat design.
He joined Alan Burnard at Fairey Marine, masterminding hull designs, and continued on to design a range of vessels from fast assault craft for the UK Special Forces to the RNLI E-Class Mark I lifeboat, each one bearing the unmistakable mark of a Moxham—functional, innovative, and ahead of its time.
Maritime design
In recent months, he had been developing a new hull design for a Commando Insertion Craft (CIC).
“His next-generation hull technology isn’t just a testament to his unparalleled expertise, but a symbol of a journey that began with model planes in a boy’s hands and culminated in changing the very way we perceive maritime design,” said Ultimate Boats in a statement.
“In John Moxham, we find a narrative that is not just about one man’s achievements, but about the indomitable spirit of human innovation, and the ceaseless drive to better our world, one design at a time.”
Ultimate Boats continued: “John was more than a brilliant naval architect. He was a force of nature – an innovator whose genius reshaped not just boats, but entire industries.
“From his early days in aerospace, shaping the performance of legendary aircraft like the Lightning, Hunter, Venom, and the Gnat, to pioneering the most advanced hull designs ever seen on water, he saw what others missed, created what others thought impossible, and inspired those lucky enough to work alongside him.”
Breath-taking solutions
And Ultimate Boats explained that for John, his work was not about chasing accolades but instead it was about solving real-world problems with elegant, functional, and often breath-taking solutions.
“As our chief designer, John’s hull technology didn’t just push the boundaries of performance and sustainability – it redefined what a boat could be.”
But, continued Ultimate Boats, for all his professional triumphs, his greatest passion was people.
“He designed to serve, to save, to empower. And despite his extraordinary talent, he remained the same modest, self-effacing gentleman – as respected for his humility as for his brilliance.
“John’s legacy is not just in the vessels he designed, but in the people he mentored, the minds he shaped, and the countless lives he touched.
“Those of us who had the honour of working with him knew we were in the presence of something special – not just because of what he achieved, but because of who he was.
“He was loved by all – from seasoned naval architects to the youngest apprentices. His stories, his wisdom, and his relentless curiosity will remain with us forever.”
The statement concluded: “To say he will be missed is an understatement. To say his impact will endure is a certainty.
“John, thank you for everything. Fair winds and following seas, dear friend.”
